Yachts moored in a city marina at dusk, with apartment buildings along the quay.

About Ocean Leap Solutions

A decade of coastal engineering expertise on the South Coast.

Our Story

Ocean Leap Solutions was founded in 2014 by a team of coastal engineers who saw an opportunity to bring specialist, responsive consultancy to the South Coast’s marine infrastructure sector. After years working within larger engineering firms, our founders recognised that many clients — particularly smaller port operators, marina groups, and coastal local authorities — were underserved by the traditional consultancy model.

We set out to build a practice that combined deep technical expertise with genuine responsiveness and clear communication. A firm small enough to know every client by name, but with the capability to deliver on technically complex projects.

Today, we work from our base on the South Coast, serving clients from the Solent to the South West. Our portfolio spans harbour infrastructure, coastal defence, environmental compliance, and marine consenting — and our client list includes harbour authorities, local councils, the Environment Agency, marina operators, and private coastal developers.

Two engineers in hard hats measuring a shingle beach, with an excavator and the sea behind them.

What Drives Us

Technical Rigour

Every recommendation we make is grounded in sound engineering analysis. We do not cut corners.

Clear Communication

We explain complex technical findings in language our clients can act on, not hide behind jargon.

Environmental Responsibility

The coast is our workplace and our passion. We design solutions that work with the natural environment.

Responsive Service

We answer the phone. We meet deadlines. We treat every project as if our reputation depends on it — because it does.

Meet the Team

Portrait of Dr. Sarah Blackwell.

Dr. Sarah Blackwell

Principal Engineer & Director

Sarah founded Ocean Leap Solutions after 15 years in coastal engineering, including major flood defence schemes across the South Coast. She holds a PhD in coastal sediment transport from the University of Southampton and is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers. Sarah leads our technical delivery and maintains direct involvement in every project.

Portrait of Tom Ashworth.

Tom Ashworth

Senior Marine Structural Engineer

Tom specialises in the inspection, assessment, and design of marine structures including pontoons, jetties, and quay walls. With a background in both structural and geotechnical engineering, he brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to every survey. Before joining Ocean Leap, Tom spent eight years at a leading ports engineering consultancy.

Portrait of Rachel Osei.

Rachel Osei

Environmental Consultant

Rachel manages our environmental compliance workstream, covering everything from habitat surveys and EIA to marine licence applications. She has particular expertise in protected marine habitats along the South Coast and has supported consenting for some of the region’s most complex coastal development schemes.

Portrait of Mark Hennessy.

Mark Hennessy

Coastal Processes Specialist

Mark leads our coastal defence and flood risk work, with expertise in numerical wave modelling, overtopping analysis, and beach management. He previously worked for the Environment Agency and brings invaluable insight into the regulatory and technical expectations of public-sector coastal projects.